Newcastle University
Scientific Officer
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Scientific Officer
Energy Materials Laboratory Technician Department: School of Natural and Environmental Science Salary: £36,636 to £38,784 per annum, pro rata Contract: Fixed term until 30/06/2032; 40% FTE (part-time) Closing Date: 09 July 2026
About the Role
This part-time, fixed-term position is based within the Energy Materials Laboratory at Newcastle University, reporting to the Academic Lead. The role encompasses bold technical and managerial responsibilities to facilitate world-class research in materials synthesis, solar energy, and catalysis, supporting a team of chemists, physicists, and engineers in state-of-the-art facilities.
Key Tasks
- Provide technical expertise and specialised lab support to researchers, students, and collaborators, including the ReNu+ Centre for Doctoral Training.
- Manage equipment operations and maintenance, including:
- Analytical instrumentation (e.g., gas chromatography, thermal analysis)
- Glove boxes, vacuum systems, spin coaters
- Solar cell characterisation (e.g., J-V testing, IQE/FMQE)
- Materials synthesis platforms (ball mills, furnaces, hydrothermal reactors)
- Train new users, draft standard operating procedures (SOPs), and ensure data archiving compliance.
- Procure and manage specialist reagents for internal and collaborative projects.
- Develop new experimental protocols and supervise junior researchers, including PhD/CDT students and interns.
- Collaborate with internal/external teams and academic partners to anticipate the forefront research needs.
- Prioritise access to facilities, coordinate schedules, and deliver high-quality analytical support to external users.
Location
The work will be primarily based in the recently upgraded Energy Materials Laboratories in the Bedson Building, Newcastle University.
Location URLS
- [SAgE Analytical Services Information](https://www.newcastle.ac.uk/ ages)
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
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Area Diversity & Inclusion
Newcastle University is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, holding:
- [✅ Athena Swan Silver Award](https://www.newcastle.ac.uk/about/ Athena)
- ✅ Athena Swan Gold Award
- 🏆 Race Equality Charter Bronze
- 🦽 Disability Confident Employer
Additional commitments include:
- Supporting researchers’ mobility under the Euraxess scheme
- Adherent to University of Sanctuary values
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Substantial scientific work experience (an alternative role and/or formal training may be included). PhD regarded in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, OR first degree in discipline above with equivalent advanced training :
- Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessment application and management
- Comprehensive laboratory Health & Safety (H&S) policy, PPE training
- Proven client/stakeholder management, knowledge transfer skills
- Strong planning, organisation, and budgetary administration abilities (including managing project funds)
- High-level analytical numerical skills, experience in reporting to management **relevant data/**metrics
- ReNu+ CDT or comparable academic-industry collaboration experience is advantageous but not essential.
- Manufactured, maintained or implemented at least three types of analytical instruments commonly used in modern research laboratories (e.g., gas chromatography, atomic force microscopy, glove box).
- Is able to identify relevant legislation, codes of practice relating to the function area, and ownership and safe handling of materials classified by the European Classification, Labelling & Packaging (CLP) Regulation.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience in expertise, expertise, and maintenance on laboratory instruments such as dryboxes, interferometers, ellipsometers, tents of material waste test shafts
- Freestanding metal-making experience e.g. dispersion, grinding and microwave-assisted synthesis
- Additional familiarity/skillset/backgrounds in any each of the following equipment is considered useful:
- Solar cell manufacturing (e.g. vanadium semiconducting industry) and internal/external quantum efficiency photon electrochemistry testing.
- Hydrothermal/Microwave Solid-State Synthesis // Spin-coating equipment // Critical point dryers
- Solar panels characterisation and vacuum deposition equipment
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Attributes & Behaviours
The role requires:
1. Thinking Strategically
- Anticipate and align facility use to University strategic goals.
- Interpret complex data and plan improvements to optimise research throughput.
- Ability to prioritise risks distinct from short-term demands.
2. Embracing Change
- Proactively adopt new techniques/materials/experiments.
- Multiplies ongoing projects to meet the needs of ROS courses and提出ed priorities.
3. Teamworking
- Act collaboratively to advance projects.
- Respects diverse input from co-workers and colleagues.
4. Developing Talent
- Ensure juniors acquire autonomy through structured tuition.
- Recognise high-performance sabbaticals and current development areas.
5. Planning and Organising
- Efficiently manage resources using SOPs, audit trails, support policies.
Why Work Here?
Salient benefits include:
- Cooperative workplace with excellent retention track records
- Notable holiday pound scheme (opt-in extras)
- Benefits perks aligning to Social Accountability (SAGe Association of Scotland)
- Outreach with mental health and well being initiatives.
How to Apply
Include your detailed CV (1 page) together with a brief cover letter proving:
- Relevance of your skills to the job description.
- How you align with stated University vision.
For queries, contact: Libby Gibson (E-mail
Thank you for your interest in advancing energy materials science with us!
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